Welcome to Bancker
Bancker, once a thriving community nestled between four large plantations that comprised the main land holdings of the area, is now a peaceful area along the Vermilion River for visitors to reflect and birdwatch. The sugar plantations and refineries that encompassed the community of Bancker included the Cade Plantation, Live Oak Plantation, Rose Hill Plantation and Ramsey Plantation.
In fact, the entrance to Cade Plantation is located where Hwy 330 turns left in front of the Bancker Grotto and is still slightly visible. The grotto was built on the site where a Catholic Church once stood. To see that church today, you would have to travel to its present location in nearby Henry, where the population of Bancker shifted.
As you may have guessed, the Catholic Church has played a generous role in shaping our culture. The original grotto’s statue of Mary now adorns the front of the Catholic Church in Delcambre. This cave-like structure, a replica of the Grotto of Lourdes, pays homage to Mary in reference to the children who claimed to have seen her vision after World War II. Both the church cemetery, that dates to 1897, and the grotto have been refurbished and are open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Sit under the oaks for a pleasant picnic and watch the fishermen off the banks of the Vermilion River or simply meditate in the quiet.
The beautiful surroundings are a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
